Microsoft Offers Free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates Exclusively for Users in Selected Region

As the deadline approaches for the end of official support for Windows 10, users have a limited timeframe to make crucial decisions about their operating system. Microsoft is about to conclude its support for Windows 10, but users have the option to extend security updates for an additional one to three years, depending on whether they are individual consumers or business clients.

However, this Extended Security Updates (ESU) program comes at a cost, even for personal users. Microsoft provides three options for enrollment, which include payment with money, redemption through Microsoft Rewards points, or sharing data with Microsoft’s cloud services.

This complicated structure has raised alarms among consumer advocacy groups. The Euroconsumers Group criticized the tech giant, highlighting concerns about making essential security updates contingent on customer engagement with Microsoft’s own platforms.

In response to these concerns, Microsoft announced today a significant change for users located in the European Economic Area (EEA), which encompasses all EU member nations, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

This revision grants EEA users free access to Extended Security Updates without the prerequisite of financial payment, points, or data synchronization. In essence, users can now secure essential updates without needing to meet Microsoft’s previous conditions.

In a statement to Ghacks Technology News, Microsoft clarified, “In the European Economic Area, we’re adjusting our enrollment process to align with local expectations, providing a secure and seamless experience. Our aim is to assist customers during their transition to Windows 11 by ensuring they have uninterrupted access to critical security updates.”

Nonetheless, there remains a significant condition. Users wishing to enroll must utilize a Microsoft account, as noted by Bleeping Computer. Those using local accounts may be exempt from this requirement, but verification is needed to confirm the details of this exemption. This stipulation still ties critical security updates to Microsoft’s services.

To begin the enrollment process, Windows 10 users should navigate to the Windows Update section in the Settings menu. There, they should look for an “enroll now” option. If this link is not visible, updating to the latest version of Windows 10 is advisable by clicking on the “check for updates” button.

For those seeking alternative methods, there is an open-source script available that enables the Extended Security Updates on Windows 10 without requiring a Microsoft account. Reports also indicate functional bypasses for installing ESU updates without formal enrollment.

Final Thoughts

Despite its impending end of support, Windows 10 continues to maintain a substantial user base, with recent statistics showing its usage at over 40% among PC users globally. This scenario represents a critical security risk as these systems will cease to receive important updates after Microsoft processes the final update in October 2025.

To extend support, users must consider joining the Enhanced Security Updates program, which has recently become more accessible for EEA residents.

What about you? Do you still operate Windows 10 on your devices? Have you enrolled in the ESU program or are you considering it? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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